Abstract

We demonstrate the use of molecular techniques to detect specific prey
consumed by the southern rock lobster ( Jasus edwardsii). A quick and non-lethal
method was used to collect rock lobster faecal material and a molecular protocol
was employed to isolate prey DNA from faecal samples. The isolated DNA was
amplified using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with PCR primers designed
to target specific prey items. Feeding experiments determined that DNA from
black-lipped abalone (Haliotis rubra) and sea urchins (Centrostephanus rodgersii and
Heliocidaris erythrogramma) can be detected in rock lobster faecal samples within
seven hours and remains present for up to 60 h after ingestion.